Night Dives: Is Special Training Needed or Recommended?

[MichiganDiver]

I am a relatively new diver, with fewer than 25 logged dives. I will be diving in Cozumel in early spring, and I have read here on the Board that night dives are worth doing. My certification agency (SSI) offers a specialized night diving class, but I don't know if my LDS offers it or if I would have a chance to take it before I go to Coz.

My questions:

1. In general, is night diving sufficiently different from daytime open water diving that special training is necessary?

2. Is night diving in Cozumel either particularly challenging or particularly easy such that the recommendation from (1) might not apply?

3. What special concerns related to night diving should a novice diver be aware of?

Thanks.

 

[Soggy]

I think it depends on where you are doing the diving and your comfort level in the water. Night diving is more task loading, and there are a few equipment considerations, but it's not rocket science. Going out with an experienced night diver would probably suffice.

 

[NorCalDawg]

I did my first night dive in cozumel when i was 16, OW certified and less than 20 dives. I had a blast, never felt uncomfortable. The only difference is that you are carrying a light. Oh, and in Cozumel it is likely a drift dive as well (was for me). Just make sure you know your buddy, and have fun!

 

[H2Andy]

if your basic diving skills are there, a night dive should be well within your competency level

keep an eye on your buddy, remember where the boat is, carry a back-up light just in case

 

[Rainer]

Do a dive or two with an experienced friend and you should be fine. They are slightly more complicated, but just as Soggy said, not rocket science. Have fun.

 

[charlesml3]

You'll be fine in Cozumel on a night dive. If you're new to night diving, stay relatively close to your DM and everything will be just fine. Cozumel night diving is usually quite shallow (35 feet or so) and the water is warm and clear. Don't be surpised if you actually relax MORE on the night dive! I find that without the long view, people tend to move slowly and relax. Makes for a better dive.

Also, leave your 1.21 Jigawatt light at home. All you need is a 4 x C-cell light. Anything much stronger than that just scares everything away.

-Charles

 

[ivyleaguediver]

Most all of the dives in Cozumel are drift dives so it would be good to be comfortable with that kind of diving especially at night. It is a good idea to dive the site in the daytime before diving it at night and to have a good light at the surface so that the boat will be able to find you.

If there is an instructor at the place you will be diving, it might be possible to do the night dives as part of a formal instruction.

 

[river_sand_bar]

And of course, with a night dive in Coz, be sure to attach a strobe onto the top of your BC. Just to be on the safe side in case you loose site of the boat. A cheap safety item.

 

[String]

Night dives generally arent that difficult. As long as basic skills are fine its not a problem. May want to read up on the signalling methods, think about sensible redundancy etc. If possible dive with a decent buddy or guide the first few times.

Its not a difficult thing to do though.
I love night diving - its my favourite type of diving. Extremely relaxing and totally different.

 

[fishballer]

remember to shine the light on your hands when signalling, not at your buddy or elsewhere.